Juliette Wolf-Robin travels the U.S. asking art buyers, editors and industry insiders how artists can market their businesses more effectively. I’ve combed through dozens of interviews Juliette has conducted as host of the "Art Buyers' Lounge" podcast series, to create topic-specific articles packed with great advice from the top art buyers in the business.
Juliette Wolf-Robin: When you’re interested in a photographer or illustrator, do you ask for recommendations from other art buyers, creatives, reps or artist agents who have worked with the artist before?
“We have. Absolutely. We’ve checked references through different art buyers and art directors in the past, depending on the project and the client. If the client comfort level is going to mandate that the photographer has enough experience… I’ll have solid conversations with their agents and reps, which may not be the most unbiased avenue of information but I expect full transparency. Also, creative calls are huge, and tell us a lot [about the artist].” Sandy Boss Febbo, Executive Art Producer, Carmichael Lynch, Minneapolis
“I contact other art buyers that I know. It’s helpful to know how [an artist] handled a project, especially if they don’t have a rep. That they have some business acumen, that they understand the pressures we’re under to satisfy our clients. That’s not always a must-have but I do ask those questions when I’m meeting somebody who’s fresh in the business." Melinda Estey, Art Buyer, Young & Rubicam/Wunderman, San Francisco
“If it's about finding out how someone works, I'll call other art buyers or art producers, and there are some art producers’ forums out there too. You find out, not only about the work, but how that person shoots.” Kat Dalager, Manager of Print Production, Campbell Mithun, Minneapolis
“I've been in the business for a long time, so I know a lot of the talent. But, if I was younger, I might ask for references, or ask if someone had a good or bad experience with an artist.” Lisa Oropallo, Art Buying Manager, /digitas, New York
“A lot of where I find my new artists is through my peer networks. But, definitely not Facebook. I find it rather intrusive when a photographer I don't know will try to friend me on Facebook. To me, Facebook is a personal thing only.” Andrea Mariash, Senior Art Buyer, David & Goliath, Los Angeles
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